它强调“处于需要某事物的状态”,语气较正式,多用于书面语或正式场合。
1、 结构:通常与 be动词 连用(构成“be in want of”),后接名词、动名词或名词短语(不能接动词原形)。
基本句型:主语 + be + in want of + 名词/动名词
2、 具体场景:
表示“需要(具体物品/服务)”:
The old library is in want of new books.(这座旧图书馆需要新书。)
The car is in want of repair.(这辆车需要维修。)
表示“缺乏(抽象事物/状态)”:
He is in want of confidence.(他缺乏信心。)
The project is in want of funding.(这个项目缺少资金。)
接动名词(强调“需要做某事”):
The garden is in want of watering.(花园需要浇水。)
She is in want of resting.(她需要休息。)(注:更常见的是接名词,如“a rest”)
两者都表示“需要”,但 in want of 更强调“缺乏”(因缺少而需要),语气更正式;
in need of 更口语化,强调“必要性”(客观上需要)。
例:The homeless are in need of shelter.(无家可归者需要住所。)(强调必要性)
The homeless are in want of shelter.(无家可归者缺乏住所。)(强调“没有”的状态)
不能接动词原形:需将动词转化为名词或动名词(如“repair”而不是“repair”,“watering”而不是“water”)。
多用于书面语:口语中更常用“need”(如“I need a drink.” 比 “I am in want of a drink.” 更自然)。
当“want”作名词时,还可表示“贫困;匮乏”,如:
Many families lived in want during the war.(战争期间许多家庭生活贫困。)
She has known want all her life.(她一生都经历着匮乏。)
1、 The school is in want of qualified teachers.(这所学校需要合格的教师。)
2、 The shirt is in want of washing.(这件衬衫需要洗了。)
3、 They are in want of a place to stay.(他们需要一个住的地方。)